Is the Epic of Gilgamesh the world's first piece of science fiction?

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Scholars debate whether science fiction is a modern invention or an ancient tradition. While some point to 20th-century technology, others trace the genre back to the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. This disagreement highlights how our changing relationship with time, space, and human reason defines the stories we tell.

The origins of science fiction remain a contested subject, with definitions varying wildly among devotees and academics. Some argue the genre is a product of the Scientific Revolution, emerging only between the 17th and 19th centuries as physics and mathematics reshaped the human worldview. Others look much further back, identifying precursors in ancient literature that grapple with themes of technology, exploration, and the limits of human existence.

Ancient texts often feature elements that mirror modern tropes. The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, dating to about 2000 BCE, is frequently cited as an origin point for its exploration of human reason and the quest for immortality. Similarly, the Indian Mahabharata (8th–9th centuries BCE) features time travel, while the 2nd-century True History by Lucian of Samosata includes interplanetary warfare and alien encounters. However, critics often push back against these labels, noting that works like True History were intended as satire rather than serious scientific speculation, and that many ancient narratives lack the explicit technological focus required by modern definitions.

By the 19th century, the genre began to solidify. Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein is widely considered a seminal work, introducing the archetypal 'mad scientist' and using technology as a narrative driver. Brian Aldiss suggests that science fiction conventions derive from the gothic novel, marking a shift toward exploring the human condition through an outside, technological perspective. As science became deeply integrated into daily life in the 20th century, the genre boomed, evolving into a major influence on global culture that continues to reflect our growing understanding of our position in the universe.

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